WWE Announces Developmental Talent Tests Positive for COVID-19
WWE continues to run shows during the pandemic despite the latest positive test.
WWE continues to run shows during the pandemic despite the latest positive test.
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A WWE wrestler has tested positive for COVID-19, according to F4WOnline.com via a statement sent out by the company.
The identity of the wrestler is unknown as of press time, but they are confirmed to be a WWE NXT developmental talent. Per WWE, the talent was last at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL on June 9. Over the last month, WWE Performance Center trainees and NXT talent have been in the crowd for Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown to enhance the viewing experience with fan reactions.
As of press time, WWE has not publicly stated whether or not talent and staff are being regularly tested for COVID-19 / coronavirus. Considering AEW and UFC are testing all involved with events on a consistent basis, there are no excuses for WWE to not do the same. Official statement from WWE Associate Medical Director Dr. Jeffrey Dugas below:
A developmental talent, who was last on site at WWE’s training facility on Tuesday, June 9, has tested positive for COVID-19. Since that time, no other individuals that attended the facility have reported symptoms.
However, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the health and safety of the company’s performers and staff, all talent, production crew and employees on site at the training and production facilities will be tested for COVID-19 immediately. Following the test results, WWE plans to proceed with its normal television production schedule.
WWE Associate Medical Director Dr. Jeffrey Dugas via F4WOnline.com
This marks the second time that a wrestler or on-air talent has tested positive for COVID-19 (that we know of). The first talent in question tested positive around WrestleMania and has since recovered. Your friendly reminder that professional wrestling and sports are deemed essential businesses from the state of Florida, which has surging coronavirus cases and is linked to data suppression.
Update: WWE hasn’t conducted ONE COVID-19 test per Bryan Alvarez.
WWE hasn’t done 1 single actual coronavirus test yet. https://t.co/uGWlSmsDLG
— Bryan Alvarez (@bryanalvarez) June 16, 2020
Update #2 Via Gary Cassidy – WWE will FINALLY be doing mandatory COVID-19 testing for everyone on Tuesday. Tapings have also been delayed for at least one day per POSTWrestling.com’s John Pollock. Criminally irresponsible actions (or lack thereof) by WWE. THREE MONTHS and two positive tests have to occur before WWE thinks it’s a good idea to start testing?!
I’ve also just been told that, following a developmental talent testing positive for COVID-19, there will be mandatory testing tomorrow for everyone – talent and crew included – attending the Performance Center.
— Gary Cassidy (@WrestlingGary) June 16, 2020
From two sources – WWE tapings will not be taking place on Tuesday.
— John Pollock (@iamjohnpollock) June 16, 2020
Was told by one they are hoping to resume on Wednesday.
Update #3: Wow. F4WOnline.com’s Dave Meltzer confirms WWE has NOT been allowing wrestlers in the crowd to wear masks because it looks bad on TV (paraphrasing). Meltzer also confirms WWE actually had “fans” (non-wrestlers at least) in the crowd at Raw amongst Performance Center/NXT talent. A recipe for disaster.
We wish a healthy and speedy recovery to the anonymous talent. Hopefully, no one else has been infected since.
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